Best Charlotte to Durham Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Charlotte to Durham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 146 mile long distance North Carolina move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 184 Charlotte to Durham moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Dogwood Moving Co.), how much the move costs (approximately $1,000 - $4,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Charlotte compared to Durham. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Charlotte to Durham Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexContact
1Dogwood Moving Co.9.829.77Contact
2Reign Moving Solutions9.609.62Contact
3Brightleaf Moving Co.9.499.58Contact
4Gentle Giant Moving Company9.428.96Contact
5Hornet Moving9.419.47Contact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Charlotte to Durham

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 146 miles from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC will cost on average $1,620 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Charlotte to Durham move is roughly $3,865. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,092300 ft³3.64
1 Bedroom$1,620450 ft³3.60
2 Bedrooms$2,667750 ft³3.56
3 Bedrooms$3,8651100 ft³3.51
4 Bedrooms$5,5541600 ft³3.47
5+ Bedrooms$6,1721800 ft³3.43
*Please note: These North Carolina to North Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from North Carolina & North Carolina. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed NC to NC mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Charlotte guide.

Compare the 5 Best Charlotte to Durham Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Dogwood Moving Co. Logo

Dogwood Moving Co.

Exceptional9.82/10
based on 4,653+ data points

6192 Beale Loop

Raleigh, NC, 27616

About Dogwood Moving Co.

Dogwood is a new local moving company that started in 2020 and serves as one of the movers in Raleigh, NC....

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Residential moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3376522 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers16
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Reign Moving Solutions Logo

Reign Moving Solutions

Exceptional9.60/10
based on 797+ data points

Rock Hill, SC

About Reign Moving Solutions

Reign Moving Solutions is a family owned and operated moving company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They have been in business...

Services

  • Packing & Unpacking
  • Residential Moves
  • Commercial Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/8/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3524609 / 1171156

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2020)
View Full Review
2
Brightleaf Moving Co. Logo

Brightleaf Moving Co.

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 1,003+ data points

1800 Williamsburg Rd Apt 13L

Durham, NC, 27707

About Brightleaf Moving Co.

Brightleaf Moving Co. is a locally-owned residential and commercial moving company based in Durham, North Carolina, offering local and long-distance services....

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Residential moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3838853 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
3
Gentle Giant Moving Company Logo

Gentle Giant Moving Company

Exceptional9.42/10
based on 1,731+ data points

3827 Barringer Dr

Charlotte, NC, 28217

About Gentle Giant Moving Company

Gentle Giant Moving Company was founded in 1980, and today has locations across the US, including one in North Carolina. Serving...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services
View Full Review
4
Hornet Moving Logo

Hornet Moving

Exceptional9.41/10
based on 7,558+ data points

920 W Craighead Rd

Charlotte, NC, 28206

About Hornet Moving

This family-owned moving company is based in Charlotte, NC, and prides itself on its professional and skilled employees, high-quality service, and...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Commercial moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2841083 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans24
Registered Drivers23
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Charlotte vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local areas. To ease this transition, we've prepared a comparison to help you find neighborhoods in Durham, NC, that share the same vibe and amenities as your favorite spots in Charlotte, NC. This guide is ideal for comparing local neighborhoods between Charlotte, NC & Durham, NC, making your move a bit more like coming home.

CharlotteDurhamHow They're Similar
South EndDowntown DurhamLively arts and dining scene
Myers ParkTrinity ParkHistoric homes and community feel
NoDaCentral ParkEclectic arts and local eateries
Plaza MidwoodOld West DurhamVibrant nightlife and unique shops
UptownAmerican Tobacco DistrictUrban living and entertainment
DilworthWatts Hospital-HillandaleCharming, walkable community
BallantyneSouthpointUpscale shops and suburban comfort
ElizabethGeer StreetHistoric architecture and local vibe
EastoverHope ValleyElegant homes and green spaces
BerryhillWoodcroftFamily-friendly with parks and trails

For those who adore the artistic pulse of Charlotte's NoDa, with its street murals and indie music venues like Neighborhood Theatre, Durham's Central Park offers a similar sense of creativity and community engagement. Central Park houses seasonal markets and is walking distance to innovative eateries like Cocoa Cinnamon. Meanwhile, if the historic charm and manicured landscapes of Myers Park appeal to you, Trinity Park in Durham provides an equivalent backdrop of stately homes amidst a verdant setting, not far from the cherished Nasher Museum of Art. For those moving with family or seeking a more serene lifestyle, comparing Charlotte's Berryhill to Durham's Woodcroft reveals two neighborhoods where parks and recreational activities come together to create a vibrant yet peaceful environment for residents of all ages.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Charlotte to Durham

Considering a move from Charlotte to Durham? This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, detailing both cities' perks and drawbacks . It's curated to help you weigh your options carefully and make an informed decision about your next big move.

CONs
PROs
Charlotte, NC iconCharlotte, NC
  • Higher cost of living
  • Heavier traffic
  • Less public transit options
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • More affordable housing
  • Less congestion
  • More walkable areas
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Smaller job market
  • Fewer nightlife options
  • Less shopping variety
Charlotte, NC iconCharlotte, NC
  • Larger job market
  • More entertainment options
  • Better shopping venues

When considering the move from Charlotte to Durham, it's important to dig beyond surface-level comparisons. For instance, although Durham is smaller, it boasts a burgeoning food scene with gems like Pizzeria Toro and Mateo Bar de Tapas, offering diverse dining experiences that can rival any big city. Durham's walkable downtown area, including the American Tobacco Campus, provides a blend of historical sites with modern amenities, making it a unique place to explore and live. While Charlotte has more expansive shopping venues like SouthPark Mall, Durham offers a range of boutique stores and local markets, such as the Durham Farmers' Market, that highlight the community's local artisans and farmers. Though the job market in Durham may seem smaller by comparison, the city's innovative spirit, demonstrated by the Research Triangle Park, promises burgeoning opportunities in technology, healthcare, and education sectors.

Charlotte vs. Durham Food Guide

Understanding the food landscape is crucial when moving to a new city, as food is a significant part of local culture. In this guide, we'll delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between Charlotte & Durham , giving you a clearer picture of what culinary delights await in your new home.

CharlotteDurham
Most iconic local food itemPulled Pork BBQShrimp and Grits
Most popular meat dishCarolina-style BBQ RibsCountry Ham
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsFood Truck Tacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ Jackfruit SandwichVegan Pulled "Pork"
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Midwood Smokehouse
  • Fahrenheit Charlotte
  • Carpe Diem
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Charlotte and Durham each offer distinct flavors and culinary experiences reflective of their unique cultural landscapes. In Charlotte, the food scene is heavily influenced by traditional Southern barbecue, with establishments like Midwood Smokehouse at the forefront, serving up authentic Carolina-style BBQ ribs. Durham, on the other hand, combines classic Southern cuisine with innovative culinary ideas, making places like Mateo Bar de Tapas popular among locals for their unique twist on traditional dishes. The abundance and popularity of food trucks in Durham, such as those offering gourmet tacos, highlight the city's vibrant and eclectic foodie scene. For vegans, both cities provide enticing options, but Durham edges ahead slightly in terms of variety and availability of plant-based fare. When settling into your new home in either city, exploring these neighborhoods and restaurants will introduce you to the heart of their culinary cultures.

Charlotte vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison

Relocating can turn the simplest pleasures, like dining out, into a quest for comfort and familiarity. This comparison of Charlotte to Durham restaurants will ease your transition, guiding you to new favorite eateries that mirror your old haunts.

CharlotteDurhamWhat You'll Love
Fig TreeMateo Bar de TapasBoth offer exquisite dining experiences with a focus on fine ingredients.
Carpe Diem Restaurant & CaterersParizadeBoth are known for their elegant atmosphere and eclectic, fine dining menus.
Price's Chicken CoopHeavenly BuffaloesBoth are go-to spots for comfort food, particularly famous for their fried chicken.
Good Food on MontfordPizzeria ToroBoth are celebrated for innovative, shareable plates in a cozy setting.
HaberdishBull City Burger and BreweryBoth embody the essence of Southern cuisine with a modern twist and craft beers.
Soul GastroloungeBar VirgileBoth have a vibrant atmosphere with a strong focus on inventive cocktails and eclectic small plates.
Mama Ricotta'sGocciolinaSimilar in their dedication to authentic, hearty Italian dishes that bring comfort and joy.
The Capital GrilleCounts HouseBoth offer a luxurious steakhouse experience with impeccable service and a polished ambiance.
Midwood SmokehousePicnicBoth have a strong reputation for their BBQ, serving up mouthwatering, smoked meats that draw loyal crowds.
Leah & LouiseThe PitBoth are beloved for their reinterpretation of classic Southern dishes, infusing them with unique flavors and techniques.

In transitioning from Charlotte's beloved Fig Tree to Durham's Mateo Bar de Tapas, you'll find solace in the latter's intricate tapas and refined dining atmosphere, reminiscent of Fig Tree's charm. Similarly, fans of Mama Ricotta's homey Italian fare will find a new haven in Gocciolina, where the pasta is likewise made with love, embodying the warm embrace of traditional Italian cooking. And for Southern cuisine with a twist, Leah & Louise aficionados will appreciate the unique flavors and creative presentations at The Pit, where the legacy of soulful cooking is energetically upheld. Each Durham establishment not only parallels its Charlotte counterpart in culinary excellence but also strikes a chord with those who cherish the dining experience as a centerpiece of community and culture.

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Charlotte vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape between Charlotte , NC and Durham , NC is essential. This comparison delves into key housing aspects to aid in your decision-making process.

ComparisonCharlotteDurham
Typical Architecture StyleModern and ColonialModern and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOpen floor plans, luxury amenitiesHistorical neighborhoods, community feel

In comparing the housing markets of Charlotte and Durham, several interesting contrasts emerge. Charlotte, boasting a bustling urban environment, slightly edges out Durham in terms of median home prices. However, Durham compensates with a slightly more affordable rental landscape and higher walkability scores, suggesting a denser, more navigable city design. Notably, Durham's real estate listings often highlight the city's historical neighborhoods and community-centric vibe, contrasting with Charlotte's emphasis on open floor plans and luxury amenities. This information could greatly influence your choice depending on your personal preferences in architectural style and lifestyle desires. For those who value a tight-knit community atmosphere, Durham might appeal more, while Charlotte could be the choice for someone looking for modern living spaces within a vibrant urban setting.

Charlotte vs. Durham Weather Considerations

Relocating can be an exciting adventure, but it’s crucial to understand how your new environment will differ from your current one. This comparison will give you insight into the weather differences between Charlotte and Durham , helping you adjust seamlessly to your new home.

Summer icon
90/70

Charlotte, NC

89/68

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
51/32

Charlotte, NC

50/31

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43

Charlotte, NC

41

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4

Charlotte, NC

6

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonCharlotteDurham
Air QualityGoodGood
Natural DisastersHurricanes, StormsHurricanes, Storms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Charlotte and Durham boast similar climates, a few notable differences exist. For example, Durham experiences slightly cooler summer nights and marginally more annual snowfall, leading to slightly different seasonal experiences. Despite these differences, both cities share a moderate humidity level and an average UV index, making outdoor activities enjoyable most of the year. Understanding these nuances is crucial for a smooth transition and adapting your lifestyle to your new home city.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Charlotte to Durham

Moving between cities can be a big decision, especially when considering the financial implications. Understanding how the cost of living, taxes, and income opportunities in Charlotte compare to those in Durham can help you make a well-informed decision. This comparison aims to illuminate these key financial differences.

ComparisonCharlotteDurham
Avg. Household Income$70,869$71,343
Cost of Living Index93.296.6
State Income Tax5.255.25
Avg. Property Tax1.020.95
Avg. Sales Tax7.257.5
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Technology, AerospaceEducation, Health, Technology
Affluencemoderately affluentmoderate
Povertynoticeablecomparable
Homelessnesspresentpresent

When moving from Charlotte to Durham, you'll find the overall cost of living to be slightly lower in Durham, primarily due to differences in housing costs. Both cities share the same state income tax rate, but Durham edges out slightly with a lower average property tax rate. However, keep in mind that sales tax is a touch higher in Durham. Income opportunities might vary significantly between the two cities, with Charlotte having a higher average household income, thanks in part to its bustling finance and technology sectors. On the other hand, Durham's economy is strongly supported by education, health, and technology industries, offering diverse job opportunities. Being aware of these differences can help you plan your finances better and anticipate the changes that moving will bring.

Charlotte vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison

Relocating from one city to another can bring about significant lifestyle changes. Here, we provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents , highlighting the comparison between Charlotte & Durham . This comparison aims to give you an understanding of the communities you're moving from and to.

CharlotteDurham
Political Make-upLean DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsModerate mix, with emphasis on economic developmentProgressive, with social issues taking precedence
ReligionMix of Protestant and Catholic, with Charlotte Church influenceDiverse, including Durham Mosque within its varied religious landscape

Charlotte and Durham differ notably in their political and religious landscapes, reflecting the broader character of each city. Charlotte displays a balanced political environment with a lean towards Democratic affiliations, tempered by its focus on economic initiatives. In contrast, Durham's community is vocally progressive, prioritizing social issues at the local governance level. Religiously, both cities offer diverse communities. However, Charlotte has a stronger Protestant and Catholic presence, partly influenced by institutions like the Charlotte Church. Durham, meanwhile, presents a broader tapestry of faiths, with places like the Durham Mosque highlighting its diverse religious scene. This varying makeup underscores the shifts you'll experience in community values and local issues as you make your move.

Charlotte vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

When moving from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC, it's essential to understand the differences in their traffic and transportation options. This comparison aims to give you a clearer picture of what your daily commute and traffic experiences might be like as you transition between these two cities.

ComparisonCharlotteDurham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2522
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible but challengingMore feasible, especially in downtown

Charlotte's commute times and traffic congestion are generally higher than Durham's, owing largely to its bigger size and higher population density. While both cities offer public transit options, Charlotte's is somewhat more developed, thanks to the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), which includes bus and light rail services. However, Durham provides a more walkable environment, particularly in its downtown area, making it easier to manage without a car. Even though public transit in Durham scores slightly lower, the city compensates with its compact layout and accessibility.

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